If traveling abroad, remember to check with insurance providers to ensure your coverage
Maintaining one’s health insurance benefits for everyday expenses is currently such a touchy subject in many circles in the U.S. that travelers who make their way overseas may look past the fact that non many providers automatically include coverage once off U.S. soil.
Maintaining one’s health insurance benefits for everyday expenses is currently such a touchy subject in many circles in the U.S. that travelers who make their way overseas may look past the fact that non many providers automatically include coverage once off U.S. soil.
But in the event of an accident or injury that requires medical attention in another country, former chairman of the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education Matt Tassey told Newsday that travelers should look to set up short term plans that will keep one safe in other countries.
Tassey added that extending the coverage past the end of the scheduled itinerary may be smart in order to take any unscheduled delays into account as well.
According to the U.S. Department of State’s DOS) website, even providers that have basic overseas coverage would likely not cover a medical evacuation back to the U.S. that could cost in upwards of $10,000. Some countries’ hospitals may also refuse patients without coverage, and even locations with socialized medicine may not provide full services without insurance.
When speaking with insurance providers, be sure to ask if medical evacuations are covered, as well as some vacation activities that may be classified as “high-risk,” such as mountain climbing or scuba diving, are covered as well, the DOS added.
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Posted: August 17, 2009
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